Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Five crewmen saved but boat wrecks near Dutch

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew today hoisted five fishermen off a disabled and adrift longliner, but efforts to save the boat failed and now she's gone aground southwest of Dutch Harbor.

The TerriGail, described as a 58-footer out of Kodiak, grounded at 2:50 p.m. in Alimuda Bay on Unalaska Island, the Coast Guard said.

Here's more from a Coast Guard press release:

The crew of the 378-foot cutter Morgenthau received the initial mayday call via VHF radio at 4:04 a.m. from the TerriGail crew reporting a marine casualty and that they were about 40 miles from Unalaska. The Coast Guard 17th District command center diverted the Morgenthau which was about 10 miles away and requested the assistance of the tug Redeemer located in Dutch Harbor.

The Morgenthau arrived on scene about 8:30 a.m. to monitor the situation while the TerriGail crew tried to make any repairs. After the TerriGail crew determined the casualty couldn't be fixed the cutter prepared for towing the fishing vessel. However, the cutter was unable to connect its tow line to the adrift boat.

Thank goodness no one was lost or injured.I am wondering if the USCG press release is accurate? Morgenthau receives mayday call at 4:04 a.m., is only 10 miles away and doesn't get on scene till 8:30 a.m.??? Something doesn't jive here

Who was running the boat? I remember Mike McKee running it for longlining, but don't know how long he stayed with the boat or if he moved on. Would be good to see a crew list. Glad everybody got off safe.

Yes they were checked for drugs and alcohol...The CG ran over the tow line and the tow tug turned around apparently and risked everyones life for a couple bucks... They told me the CG was there for hours before they decided on a rescue...